We write our Erotic Romance stories to entertain, of course, but most of all we write them because we believe in happy endings for all who fall in love, whatever their gender, sexual orientation or numerical combination.

Receive New Posts by Email

The Romance Reviews

Guest Interview ~ Layna Pimentel

Today we’re thrilled to introduce you to Layna Pimentel, here to share about her writing life and give us a peek into one of her works in progress!

Why don’t you start by telling us about yourself (Where are you from? What do you write/do in the publishing world? What do you do when you’re not writing — your “day” job, hobbies, obsessions, etc.?) Thank you for having me over, Adriana. I’m originally from Toronto, Ontario, but have since relocated to a small city bordering the upper peninsula of Michigan with my husband and two daughters. During the day I work in the telecommunications industry, which satisfies the geeky side of me. In my spare time when I find some, I collect tarot, gargoyles, gardening and researching new ideas for stories.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only five books and five CDs, what would they be? (We’ll just imagine you can play the CDs – after all, this is fiction!) Be prepared to be shocked. I listen to a wide variety of music. Sarah Brightman – Symphony, Fleetwood Mac – The Very Best of Fleetwood Mac, The Mediaeval Baebes – Mirabilis, Type O Negative – October Rust, Jesse Cook – Free Fall. As for books, here would be my choices: The Wedding – Julie Garwood, When Strangers Marry – Lisa Kleypas, Bitten – Kelly Armstrong, The Duke – Gaelen Foley, The Chief – Monica McCarty.

Do you read primarily print books, ebooks, or both? I read a combination of the two. Most of my historical novels are in paperback. As for my erotica/erotic romance collection, I prefer to keep those in ebook format, away from prying eyes (my daughters). lol

Tell us about your writing: How long have you been writing? What genre(s) do you write in? What have you written (short stories, novels, etc.)? What works are currently for sale? Where? I’ve been writing on and off since high school, but professionally for three years. I write paranormal romance, but I’ve dabbled with some sci/fi and contemporary. I have a few completed short stories, with one out on submission. Aside from that, I have one novella and novel in the works.

What made you decide to write? My obsession started only as way to relieve stress. Who knew it would eventually become an addiction/way of life.

What made you chose to write your genre in particular? Is there any other genre you’d like to write? And if so, why? I have to admit, I think the genre picked me. I love anything to do with vampires, ghosts, weres and demons. So why not? Now that I’ve built some confidence with my writing I’ve decided to try my hand at historical and contemporary erotica. They’ve always been favorites.

Are you a plotter or a pantser? I’m a little of both. Goodness knows though, no matter how many times I try and stick to a plan, things always change.

How do you get ideas for your stories? What inspires you? For the most part music plays a huge influence in what I write. When I’m in a classical mood, I write historical pieces, rock and ambient music inspire my paranormal and contemporary pieces.

Which comes first when you’re starting to write a new story: character, setting, plot, or theme? For me a character is what drives a new story. Nothing beats having fresh meat to work with. It’s those first moments with your characters that make it, or break it with the plot.

Any advice for those who want to write? This is going to sound cheesy but the only advice I can offer is to remember the three p’s. Patience, perseverance, pride. Writing doesn’t happen overnight, and neither does becoming the next hot release on the NYT bestsellers list. Take it one step at a time. The experience is humbling.

Perseverance should be that nagging devil on your shoulder, pushing you on to prove everyone wrong. Only you can put your ideas on paper, and only you can prove to the world your characters are worthy. So don’t give up. You’re the only person in-charge of your dreams.

While pride can have a negative definition, be sure that your work is the best it can be before you submit. You’ll save yourself a sh*t load of embarrassment, if find yourself a compatible critique group/partner to work with.

Is there a way for fans and others to contact you? Absolutely. You can find me at:

Tell us about your work – we’d love an excerpt, too! Here’s a sneak peek into a little something I’m working on right now. This excerpt is from Crushed Velvet, my contemporary erotic novella with some D/S elements.

EXCERPT

Brent gazed into her eyes, hoping she wanted him as bad as he did her.

“Tell me sweetheart, has there been anyone else since your husband passed?”

She studied him as if discerning whether it was safe to let the truth out. And what was the truth? Had she been with others, or had she found solace in being celibate? He waited for what seemed an eternity for her response when she finally shook her head. A subtle but noticeable blush swept across her cheeks, and she shook her head while cupping the bulge in his leather pants. Her response shook him to the core.

How was it possible for her to have gone so long without being kissed, loved by another man? Yes, she would have required time to mourn, but to isolate herself from human touch was unhealthy. Everyone had needs, and hers were no different from anyone else. He would have died if he’d gone without sex for such an extended time. The past three days he’d longed for her had been hard enough. Mental images of spanking her perfect ass, binding her to his bed and driving himself, hard and deep, tortured him. His throbbing cock would have to wait. He wanted to remind her of the simple pleasure life had to offer. Right now, he wanted her to need him.

Desire coursed through his veins. He slid his hands up her toned thighs, lifting the hem of her dress, until he cupped the globes of her ass. Understanding his queue, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He backed her into the draped corner across the lounge, not caring whether they were in public or not. They were in Crushed Velvet, and the likelihood of the patrons complaining was nil. He’d have her more focused on every stroke of his fingers sliding in and out, and every tweak of her sweet and swollen clit, instead of entertaining any of the clubs voyeurs. Not only would he reacquaint her with the sensations a man could bring her, but he would give her a lesson in submission.

The content you are about to view may be considered offensive and/or inappropriate. Furthermore, this content may be considered adult content, if you are not of legal age or are easily offended, you are required to click the exit button.